News Release

Monday, February 6, 2017

Tradesmen’s Vans Targeted for Tools NR17039pv

Canoga Park: Los Angeles
detectives are warning tradesmen, handymen, and trade associations
about criminals who have targeted WHITE vans, stealing the vans for
the purpose of taking the tools inside. Since November 1, 2016,
detectives have noted 27 vans, used by tradesmen in the West San
Fernando Valley, have been taken.

"We aren't sure if it's the same suspect, or just a new MO shared
across the crime populous," explained Lt. Paul Weber, commanding
officer of the Topanga Detective Division. "The vans are usually
taken overnight, parked on the street, and they are found a short
time later (1 to 3 days) and usually a short distance from the
crime location. That tells us the real target is the tools
inside."

Detectives explain that power tools are easily resold to pawnshops,
at swap meets or on online applications like Craigslist or
Offerup.

"It seems there's a certain type of van that's common among
handymen, and the crooks know it," Lt. Weber added. Between
November last year, and February 1, 2017, 20 Ford Econoline, 5
Chevy Express, and 2 GMC Savanna vans have been stolen with tools
later removed. All the vans were WHITE.

Detectives recommend the following safety tips to reduce the risk
of having these vans and tools stolen:

Lock your van

Equip van with an alarm

Place power tools inside a locked, security container inside
the vehicle

Install a steering-wheel lock mechanism to discourage the
theft of the van

Etch ALL power tools and other tools with owner's CA driver's
license or ID number

Park vans inside secured structures or yards

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det.
Brien Pogue, Topanga Detective Division, at (818) 756-3537.
Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS
(8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a
cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD."
Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips"
and follow the prompts.

Lt. Weber is available for interviews on this release. He can be
reached at (818) 756-4820.